US Post Office-Forest
119 Second St., Forest, MS Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1993.
1775: The Second Continental Congress establishes the Constitutional Post to provide postal services in the thirteen American colonies. Benjamin Franklin is appointed as the first Postmaster General.
1792: The Postal Service Act is passed, officially establishing the United States Postal Service as a federal agency. It sets the foundation for the organization and regulation of postal operations.
1847: The introduction of prepaid adhesive postage stamps revolutionizes mail delivery, simplifying the process and promoting efficiency.
1860: The Pony Express, a fast mail delivery service, is launched to transport mail between the eastern and western regions of the United States. It becomes famous for its daring riders and swift delivery.
1863: Free city delivery is introduced, allowing mail to be delivered directly to urban households and businesses rather than being picked up from local post offices.
1864: The Postal Money Order system is established, providing a secure way for people to send money through the mail.
1896: Rural Free Delivery (RFD) is implemented, bringing mail delivery to rural areas for the first time. This service significantly improves communication and connects rural communities to the rest of the country.
1971: The United States Postal Service is reorganized as an independent agency within the federal government, operating as the USPS. It is no longer directly controlled by the Postmaster General.
1974: The USPS introduces the ZIP (Zone Improvement Plan) Code system, which assigns unique codes to geographic areas to improve mail sorting and delivery efficiency.
1997: The USPS launches its website, usps.com, providing online access to postal services, tracking, and information.
2001: Following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the USPS faces security challenges and undergoes significant changes to enhance mail screening and protection.
2013: The USPS announces the end of Saturday mail delivery for regular letters and reduces delivery to five days a week.
Present: The USPS continues to be a vital service, handling billions of pieces of mail annually and adapting to changes in technology, communication, and the shipping industry. It plays a crucial role in connecting people, facilitating commerce, and serving as a backbone of the American communication infrastructure.
This timeline provides an overview of key milestones in the history of the USPS, which has played a crucial role in facilitating communication and connecting communities throughout the United States for over two centuries.
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
The Mississippi River, which forms the western border of the state, is the longest river in North America.
The area that is now Scott County was originally home to Native American tribes, including the Choctaw people, who lived off the land and thrived in the region for centuries. European settlement began in the early 1800s when pioneers moved into the area, drawn by the fertile land and abundant natural resources.
Scott County played an important role during the Civil War. It was the site of several skirmishes and saw both Confederate and Union troops passing through. The Battle of Decatur, fought in October 1863, was a significant engagement that occurred in the county. The war left a lasting impact on the area, shaping its political and social landscape for years to come.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Scott County experienced growth and development with the expansion of the railroad system. The town of Forest, now the county seat, became a vibrant center of commerce and trade. Industries such as timber harvesting and agriculture flourished, contributing to the county's prosperity.
Today, Scott County continues to thrive as a close-knit community with a strong focus on agriculture and small businesses. It preserves its historical heritage through local landmarks, museums, and events that celebrate the region's past. Scott County remains a testament to the resilience and perseverance of its people throughout its vibrant and diverse history.
Scott County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Scott County, Mississippi.
- 1833 - Scott County was created as a new county in Mississippi.
- 1834 - The county was officially organized and named after Abram M. Scott, the Governor of Mississippi.
- 1836 - Forest became the first county seat of Scott County.
- 1876 - The county seat was moved to Hillsboro for nearly ten years.
- 1886 - Forest was once again designated as the county seat.
- Early 1900s - The timber industry played a major role in the county's economy and development.
- 1930s - The Great Depression greatly affected the county, causing economic hardship.
- Late 1900s - Manufacturing and agriculture emerged as important industries in Scott County.
- 2005 - Hurricane Katrina caused significant damage to the county and surrounding areas.
- Present - Scott County continues to thrive, with a diverse economy and a strong sense of community.